A 50-YEAR JOURNEY IN THE MAGICAL WORLD OF PHOTOGRAPHY06.01.2025
My
photographic journey, which began in 1975 as a student at Eskişehir Anatolian
High School, has now reached its 50th year. Back then, as a young student
holding a camera for the first time, it was not just a tool to capture memories
but a window that allowed me to see the world from a different perspective.
This
half-century-long journey has provided me with countless personal and artistic
experiences. From my earliest shots to serving as a jury member in national and
international photography contests, from organizing exhibitions to discovering
photography as a universal language, every step along the way has proven how
powerful an art form it truly is.
Founding
Sille Sanat Sarayı, organizing numerous events, and establishing friendships
with photographers from all over the world have all been significant
milestones. For me, photography has been more than a profession or a hobby—it
has been a bridge connecting people and uniting cultures.
Through our
strong ties with FIAP (International Federation of Photographic Art), we have
undertaken many meaningful projects. Being a founding member of the FIAP Photo
Academy, serving as a jury member for the FIAP World Cup, being part of the GPU
Directory Board, and contributing to countless national and international
organizations have added immense value to my photographic life.
As I celebrate the 50th year of
my photographic journey, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the
teachers who encouraged me at the beginning of this path, my family who stood
by my side, the senior photographers who inspired me, the friends with whom I
have enjoyed the pleasure of creating together for years, and the esteemed
members of Sille Sanat Sarayı, whose unwavering support I have always felt in
every project.
I also deeply thank the
organizations that honored me as an honorary member, including ALTINORAN, GİFSAD(
Gaziantep Silk Road Art Photography Club), İZFAK (Izmir Photography Academy),
SİVSAD (Siverek Photography Artists Association), SİFAD (Sinop Photography
Amateurs Association), SURETİALEM, and SUPC (Selçuk University Photography
Club).
My special thanks go to the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), as well as federations and associations from over 20 countries such as Iran, India, Bangladesh, Benin, the USA, Cyprus, Egypt, and to Salihli Photography Association (SALFOD), which honored me by naming an international photography competition after me. I am equally grateful to the Beyşehir Culture and Tourism Association for organizing a tracking organizetion in my name. Lastly, I would like to express my appreciation to the Turkish Pharmacists’ Association, which recognized my contributions to the art of photography by awarding me the title of “Pharmacist Who Adds Value to the Profession.”
Thank you all from the bottom
of my heart.
I am
eternally grateful to my late father, whose unwavering support gave me the
strength to continue this journey.
The
experiences I have gained over the years continue to serve as a source of motivation
for new projects, new stories, and new horizons. With 50 years of experience, I
will continue to share how much photography can add to our lives.
With the
healing and unifying power of art, I hope to keep chasing the light and meeting
photography for many more years to come.
Photography Club and first dark room works at Eskişehir College - 1975
Intra-school inter-student competition and first prize - 1976